Successful summer closure of Roertunnel and Tunnel Swalmen (A73)

The work on the Limburg tunnels began in 2022. Commissioned by Rijkswaterstaat, Ballast Nedam and Croonwolter&dros (A73 Combination) are carrying out the replacement and renovation (R&R). To keep the tunnels available for traffic in the coming years, regular maintenance work will also be carried out until 2027.

Safe tunnels 

10 out of 50 technical installations needed replacement. These technical installations are largely invisible to road users. But: they are crucial. Lifesaving even. In fact, these advanced systems help prevent incidents and keep the tunnels safe, even in emergency situations.

Last summer, the focus was on renewing the fans, traffic systems, and lighting. Additionally, several other systems were replaced, and the necessary regular maintenance was carried out. Previously, the camera (CCTV) and speed interruption system (SOS) were renewed, and the asphalt was given a new, energy-saving top layer with light-reflecting white gravel.

From sensor to control room 

As the end of the renovation approaches, we briefly look back with Lieuwe Gietema, project manager on behalf of the A73 Combination: “With various parties, we realized the new systems ‘from sensor to control room.’ For this, an integral approach was applied across the entire chain. To make it concrete with an example on SOS: from the signal that is given the moment a car drives over a loop to the operation and control - every part in that entire process has been renewed. This requires the right knowledge and expertise and, especially at the front end, a healthy dose of ‘fix mentality’ from the team. You really need that to ensure the work proceeds in a controlled and predictable manner.”

Old control, new system 

No matter how well prepared, every project has its challenges. “The complexity of this work was in connecting the new systems to the old control system,” says Lieuwe. “In an ideal situation, everything is new, but in these tunnels, we had to connect new to old. For this, we used a kind of translation computer (coupling PLC): a means to ensure the 2 systems communicate well with each other.”

One team 

The summer closure was completed successfully and on schedule: the renewed installations in the A73 tunnels now comply with the national tunnel standard. Lieuwe: “Together we got the renovation done. That only works if you are one team. Everyone on such a large project has their own expertise. Connecting all those people together, that's where the challenge lies. This is what I am most proud of: that we solved this together, despite all the challenges encountered along the way, also with our client Rijkswaterstaat (part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management).”